Quick Facts
Who is it for: Couples who love nature and observing the ecosystem.
Tip: There are no TVs in the rooms, so ensure that you are with good company.
What stands out: The panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea from the balcony.
What to carry: Snacks and fruits, as the closest shop is about 15 minutes away.
Must try activity: Watching the sun rise at the look-out post adjacent to the restaurant.
Cost & Reservation: click the link below
Location: Kensington, Portland.
Contact: pscresort@gmail.com
Vehicle needed to access property: A SUV or vehicle with good ground clearance, if you are driving through St Thomas to access the property.
FULL video review of Sea Cliff
Located along the coastal road of Portland, several minutes after exiting St Thomas, is Sea Cliff Resort, which is owned and operated by Errol Hanna. Its unique entrance, built from bamboo, is hard to miss whichever direction you are coming from.
Nonetheless, the journey to this point was a very slow and challenging one for the Kingston College old boy. “After I graduated from high school in 1966, I migrated to the States, where I had to ‘buss’ my chops doing different jobs to support myself while going to college part-time. I tell people all the time, you can accomplish a lot in the States, but it is not a bed of roses,” revealed Hanna to kareemsquest.com.
Consequently, it took him seven years to finish his degree programme instead of four; however, he was not deterred as it set the foundation he needed to survive. “After my degree, I did several jobs, including working with American Express, and then my final job was working with a law firm as a paralegal,” stated Hanna.
Returning to the land of his birth
After spending over twenty years in the States, Hanna told kareemsquest.com that he was itching to return to his homeland and utilise many of the skills he learnt while living abroad. “I returned to Jamaica in 1981 and formed my own company that was the agent for a company that produces chlorine from salt which was an alternative for sanitising private swimming pools. You must remember, during these times many things were restricted for importation, so we had to be innovative when finding solutions,” Hanna said to kareemsquest.com.
After accomplishing much success in this business, Hanna shifted his concentration to construction. One of his major projects was constructing the Unit Operations Laboratory at the University Hospital of the West Indies in 1999, something that he is very proud to put on his résumé.
Shot at point-blank range
Sadly, this experience came at a deadly price, as Hanna revealed to kareemsquest.com, “Unfortunately, while on the site, I was shot by a gunman at point-blank range from behind. The bullet went through my neck and I was left to die. A taxi operator that was nearby assisted by taking me to the emergency room of the UWI.”
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While in the operating theatre it was discovered that the bullet missed his spine and exited through the side of his neck, causing no major injury. Despite the horrific experience, Hanna was not deterred and went right back to work after a short recovery period.
The History of Sea Cliff
(To access similar stories, check out the links at the end of the article)
“You can’t allow adversities to stop you from pursuing your dreams, and I wanted to plant my seed in Jamaica. So I used this second opportunity to start accomplishing this,” stated Hanna.
This time, he started focusing on this personal project in Portland, where he purchased the property that is now Sea Cliff Resort.
The beginning of Sea Cliff Resort
“The first thing I built on this property was a log house which was to be a model unit for his dream development after which came Cliff Hanger which was completed in 2014. It became difficult to find places to dine with some ambiance and good food, so it dawned on me that other portlanders may have similar difficulties,” stated Hanna to kareemsquest.com. With his cemented foundation in the construction business, he started to think of what next he wanted to do on his property.
“At first, I wanted to make vacation homes from log structures; however, it was impeded by the recession in 2007, where very little investment was taking place,” stated Hanna.
However, after a feasibility study of this initial plan, Hanna decided to build the Sea Cliff Resort instead.
A RESORT WITH A DIFFERENCE
At the time of kareemsquest.com’s visit it boasts 20 rooms, which are all angled towards the Caribbean Sea for guests to enjoy the picturesque view while relaxing. As for the variety of rooms, they have a rustic feel sprinkled with a contemporary edge.
Top things to do in Portland, Jamaica
While free Wi-Fi is available in every room, there are no TVs as Hanna explained, “When persons come to this hotel, it’s about relaxation and tranquillity with as little distractions as possible.”
The hotel functions much similar to an European style, where breakfast is complimentary; however, guests are required to purchase lunch and dinner. “Usually, when some persons come, they enjoy the night, have breakfast in the morning, then head out to explore Portland in the day,” said Hanna to kareemsquest.com.
For this reason, the hotel offers excursions to some of the more popular spots in and around Portland, such as Frenchman Cove, Boston Jerk Centre, Blue Lagoon and Reach Falls.
Even though the property has been receiving much acclaim since its opening, Hanna is still looking at ways to improve his vision for his resort. “We are actively looking into a vacation club which involves timeshares,” disclosed Hanna. You can find the location of Sea Cliff Resort at the bottom of the page.
How long does it take to get to Sea Cliff Resort, from these central points:
Kingston: 2hrs 33mins
Montego Bay: 4hrs 51mins
Ocho Rios: 2hrs 34mins
Savanna La Mar: 5 hr 17 mins
Click to check Jamaica’s Foreign Exchange Rate.
What is the weather like in Jamaica
The climate in Jamaica is very warm, with an annual average of 32 degrees/ 89.6°F. It is usually warm to hot all year round.
What is the time zone in Jamaica
Eastern Standard Time (GMT-5)
Click to check out my other reviews:
Planning a Jamaican escape to the verdant jewel of Portland? Fuel your wanderlust with insider tips on the Top Hotels/Places to stay in Portland, from eco-chic lodges to cliffside havens. And for your wild adventure side here are some great Things To Do in Portland. Remember, as you embark on your Jamaican quest, you can book a tour with Kareem’s Quest. I’m always here to help you plan the perfect excursion with various tour packages and Itinerary plans.
When the call of adventure beckons, let Kareem’s Quest be your guide. We’ll curate an unforgettable Jamaican experience for you, from hidden waterfalls and secluded coves to bustling markets and authentic reggae bars. Let’s make your Portland escape truly magical!
He i would like to make a reservation for a 3 week package with every thing exclusive! What’s is the best price offer do you have or recommend
Hi Rosemarie, you can email the Resort directly at pscresort@gmail.com